Events

This short list of upcoming events highlights cultural activities and major happenings in the city and state of Puebla. We strive to keep the information as up-to-date as possible, but all details are subject to change. The names of locations appear in Spanish to help visitors find them (i.e., ask directions, request bus stops, or direct taxi drivers with ease and accuracy). We give preference to events that are free and do not require fluency to enjoy. Want more? Follow us on Twitter or “like” our fan page on Facebook, where we post additional goings-on.

February

5, 12, 19, 26 Puebla city officials welcome residents and visitors to walk, run, or bike the streets of the historic center as part of the Gran Vía Recorre Puebla, Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon. Free. Route begins at the Fuente de los Frailes on Avenida Juárez.
6, 13, 20, 27 Smackdown! Mexican wrestlers, or luchadores, face off Monday nights at the Puebla Arena, 13 Oriente #402, Centro Histórico, Puebla, 9 p.m. Tickets available at arena box office; prices vary.
10-11 San Pedro Cholula hosts two grand bullfights at the Plaza de Toros Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma next to the pyramid. Friday’s event starts at 8 p.m. features Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza, who’s billed as the best rejoneador (matador on horseback) in the world. Saturday’s event starts at 4 p.m. and features Rafael Ortega, who’s billed as “the spoiled one from Puebla” and “the lord of three thirds.” Tickets: 200 pesos and up, available at Taquilla Cero and a booth near the tourism office in the main square.
11 Beloved Mexican crooner Emmanuel gives an acoustic concert in the auditorium at the Complejo Cultural Universitario, Vía Atlixcáyotl #2499, San Andrés Cholula, 8:29 p.m. Tickets: 525 to 2,350 pesos at Superboletos.
14 To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the BUAP hosts a “Bohemian afternoon,” featuring bolero crooners, romantic piano music, and couples karaoke and salsa/cumbia dance contests, starting at 4 p.m., Complejo Cultural Universitario, Vía Atlixcáyotl #2499, San Andrés Cholula. Free.
18-21 The town of Huejotzingo ushers in Lent with Carnival, a festival and parade that rival New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro in spirit, if not in size. (Specific 2012 schedule of events TBA.) Admission is free, but you may wish to pay the nominal fee to sit in the bleachers.
25-26 San Pedro Cholula gets its Carnival on with a parade and cultural events in the main square. The tourism office recommends turning up around noon. Free.

March

2-11 The 74th Flower Fair (Feria de las Flores) blooms in the town of Huauchinango. Details TBD, but organizers have tweeted that pop singer Paulina Rubino will make an appearance.
10 Public Enemy, Modest Mouse, Datarock, and Felix Da Housecat headline the 72810 alternative music festival at the Great Pyramid of Cholula, 14 Poniente (esquina con 5 Norte), San Andrés Cholula, 11 a.m. More bands to be announced. Tickets: 550 to 1,500 pesos at Superboletos.
16 Mexican pop singer Mijares (Mr. Lucero) brings his 25th anniversary tour to the Complejo Cultural Universitario, Vía Atlixcáyotl #2499, San Andrés Cholula, 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices TBD.
18-19 San Pedro Cholula celebrates the spring equinox with a Quetzacoatl ritual — music, dance, poetry, fireworks — and an artisanal fair. Portal Guerrero #3, Centro Histórico. All day. Admission is free.
27-29 The Puebla Pericos play their first home games of the 2012 MLB season against the Quintana Roo Tigers (last year’s champions). For more information or tickets, visit the box office at Parque de Beisbol Hermanos Serdán, Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza #666, Col. Maravillas.

April

22 Puebla FC plays its final home game of the 2012 season against team América, Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Calzada Ignacio Zaragosa, Col. Maravillas. Noon. Ticket prices vary.

May

2-3 The International Mole Festival celebrates the mother of all moles — poblano, naturally — in the Puebla capital. The event brings together chefs of local, national, and international renown. Foodies won’t want to miss it. Centro de Convenciones Puebla, Boulevard Héroes 5 de Mayo #402, Centro Histórico, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets TBD.
5 The 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, most commonly known as Cinco de Mayo, is set to get fêted in grand style, with a civic parade, re-enactments of the historic battle, and much more. Centro Histórico, Puebla. Free. (More details to come.)

Page updated on February 5, 2012.